early christian church & poverty/riches

[kangamitroo]

i frequently encounter quotes about shunning riches and sharing property in the early christian church (years 100-400 approx). quotes are from John Chrysostum, Basil the Great, Ambrose of Milan and others. i always see the quotes out of context, but i find them very moving. (i am one who feels that a main message of religion should be caring for the least among us and not accumulating wealth for its own sake.)

any suggestions on where to start reading? either the writings of these individuals or a book that covers this topic? when i have been searching i have found either (1) Latin--not helpful!; (2) expensive obscure texts requiring a theology library; or (3) volumes by unfamiliar scholars, so i could not determine the best starting point.

thanks for your help!

[genifer]

There was a book written in the 70's I think, so its not the guys you are talking about but it discusses this very topic: Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Rich-Christi.../dp/0849945305

I bet its not really what your looking for but it challenges us to look at how we live today and how to live that life in these modern times.


as I reread your op... I realise its not what you are looking for at all but it is still a good read.

[kangamitroo]

thanks for the suggestion. the quotes i have seen are in relation to modern movements--like catholic worker and shane claiborne's books--so i'm guessing i would be inspired by the book you mentioned. these modern movements have inspired my interest in learning about early church.

[genifer]

Im not sure if it would help you or not but if you are looking for inspiriation... I might suggest picking up some books about modern missionaries. Chasing the Dragon is an amazing book about Jackie Pullinger, missionary to Hong Kong's Walled City. AMAZING testamony to the Power of Christ. She's still around today, still at work in Hong Kong. Anyway, probably off topic for you but talking about radical living out the Christian Life! Totally depending on God.. doing exactly what the disciples did. Anyway...

[CrunchyChristianMama]

You may also find Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secret extremely interesting for his thoughts on money and giving.

Also, I would suggest studying Proverbs. A lot of the proverbs have to do with money and wealth.

[holyhelianthus]

Originally Posted by kangamitroo

thanks for the suggestion. the quotes i have seen are in relation to modern movements--like catholic worker and shane claiborne's books--so i'm guessing i would be inspired by the book you mentioned. these modern movements have inspired my interest in learning about early church.

:

Thanks for bringing this thread up, OP :

[Tradd]

ETA: See below, I added links to the books.

There's a book from St. Vladimir's Seminary Press, with sermons from St. John Chrysostom called "Wealth & Poverty." It's part of their Popular Patristics series.

www.svspress.com

http://www.svspress.com/product_info...roducts_id=199

Light & Lifehttp://www.light-n-life.com has a book, I believe, about simple living in St. John Chrysostom's sermons.

http://www.light-n-life.com/shopping...uctNum=ONLI550

You'd probably find the sayings of the Desert Fathers interesting. Penguin Classics has a valune "Sayings of the Early Desert Fathers."

http://www.light-n-life.com/shopping...uctNum=DESE075

I'm Orthodox, and Chrysostom is the most-read Church Father with us.

[genifer]

Isnt it strange how now a days we have the prosperity movement? Preachers teaching that if we ask God for riches he's obliged to give it to us! Ive heard preachers telling the congregation to demand their wallets to be full! Such a stark contrast!

[Bluegoat]

Originally Posted by genifer

Isnt it strange how now a days we have the prosperity movement? Preachers teaching that if we ask God for riches he's obliged to give it to us! Ive heard preachers telling the congregation to demand their wallets to be full! Such a stark contrast!

I once read a novel where their was a priest like that, but it was meant to be comedic.

[VisionaryMom]

Originally Posted by genifer

Anyway, probably off topic for you but talking about radical living out the Christian Life! Totally depending on God.. doing exactly what the disciples did. Anyway...

A bit OT, but I was thinking about this not long ago. I grew up hearing missionaries speak at various events, and they often talked about relying solely on the belief that God would provide what they needed. I don't think I *really* got how amazing that is until I had children. DH and I have been toying with some fairly radical social justice living situations, and I've really had to confront the idea that relying on God to provide what I need for my kids is powerful - and difficult!

[lilyka]

oh good! Tradd has already responded. I knew there were a lot of books out there but I didn't have any specific names. I knew she would